LIP (ENLARGEMENT) AUGMENTATION

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY

* Expect your lips to feel tight, sore and full. This is normal (we call it the “daffy duck look”.) It usually subsides after 7 days. It very rarely lasts longer. The lips may look uneven or bruised during this time.

SWELLING AND BRUISING

* Rest quietly.

* Avoid excessive movements of the mouth for example when talking, chewing and laughing.

* A soft diet is advisable for one week - e.g. mashed vegetables, yoghurt, jellies, icecream, scrambled egg, soup, soft fruit, soft pasta/noodles etc.

* Apply ice to your lips, as often as tolerable for the first 3 days minimum, then intermittently for 1 week ( e.g. whilst watching TV during the “ads”).

* Swelling may cause your lips to crack so apply Vaseline regularly.

* It is not uncommon for the lips to be uneven or asymmetrical initially due to the surgery. Swelling will subside at different times. Massaging and moulding of the lips should be applied when tolerable approximately 3-7 days. This is important in shaping of the lips. Use your fingertips to move fat to where you like it. If you cannot do this due to bruising, do not worry. The lips can be massaged one week after surgery when bruising is less.

* It is rare for the lips to swell one week after surgery although they may be swollen for 2 weeks in rare circumstances.

PAIN

* Swelling decreases with the passage of time and pain will also subside.

* Take 1 or 2 Panadeine Forte every 4 hours (not more than 8 tablets per day) as prescribed.

* Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of medications or after anaesthetics.

* Do not drink alcohol, drive or operate machinery, while on medications or on the first day of surgery.

WOUND CARE

* There may be some dissolvable stitches in the corners of the mouth which may be visible and should be cleaned daily with normal saline solution which may be obtained from a chemist) using a cotton bud. Also, apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment using a cotton bud. Continue this for 1 week.

* Due to the difficulty of cleaning your teeth, there may be dissolvable stitches inside your mouth also. It is therefore important to have mouth washes with Listerine or mouth freshener.

* Warm water and cooking salt mouthwashes are also a good alternative in between meals.

* If you have a previous history of cold sores or herpes, please contact your doctor/nurse as you will need to take Zovirax as prescribed. It is best taken for 3 days before surgery. Should core sores arise after surgery, contact us immediately so this problem can be treated.

ACTIVITY

* Most people begin normal activities after a few days.

* Exercise will increase swelling, especially in the first week.

* Rest and ice application should be adhered to during the first week, continuously for the first few days and then intermittently for 1 week (e.g. whilst watching TV during the “ads”).

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings (available at a chemist):

• Normal saline 0.9% - 100 ml.
• Cotton buds - 1 packet.
• Mouthwash - 500 ml ( e.g. Listerine, Mouthfresh).
• Bent straws (for drinking).
• Ice or ice sticks (available at the supermarket).

Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.

For Emergencies ONLY call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2)93287044 Fax: Intl. + (61 2)93286036